Mast-mounted loop antenna

ABSTRACT

An antenna assembly including separate antennas for receiving UHF and VHF signals disposed along spaced points on an antenna mast. The UHF antenna forms a closed configuration aligned in a plane at the top of the mast while the VHF antenna is characterized by two triangular members fastened to the mast in side-by-side relation aligned in a plane at an angle to the mast. Specially formed cylindrical insulative blocks, connected to the mast, furnish anchoring mounting support for the antennas.

United States Patent Inventors Louis Kdcsl 25 Palisade Ave., Garfield,NJ. 07026; Julius Kocsl, Jr., 102 Highland Ave., Clilton, NJ. 0701 1Appl. No. 848,494

Filed Aug. 8, 1969 Patented Dec. 7, 1971 MAST-MOUNTED LOOP ANTENNA 11Claims, 5 Drawing Figs.

US. Cl 343/742, 343/744, 343/890 Int. Cl 0181/12, HOlq 1 H12 Field 01Search 343/705, 708, 741, 744, 803, 808, 809, 880, 882,915, 742, 890

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,532,094 1111950 Gonsett etal 343/881 2,221,939 11/1940 Bennett... 343/744 2,299,218 10/1942 Fener343/882 Primary Examiner-Eli Lieberman Attorneys-Clarence A. O'Brien andHarvey B. Jacobson ABSTRACT: An antenna assembly including separateantennas for receiving UHF and VHF signals disposed along spaced pointson an antenna mast. The UHF antenna forms a closed configuration alignedin a plane at the top of the mast while the VHF antenna is characterizedby two triangular members fastened to the mast in side-by-side relationaligned in a plane at an angle to the mast. Specially formed cylindricalinsulative blocks, connected to the mast, furnish anchoring mountingsupport for the antennas.

PATENTEU DEC 7 1517i Lo u/s Kocsi Julius Kocsr, Jr.

INVENTOR8 MAST-MOUNTED LOOP ANTENNA The present invention relates to UHFand VHF antenna assemblies.

All television sets currently manufactured must be provided with UHF andVHF tuners. Generally, the television manufacturer includes a singleloop UHF antenna and a rabbit ear" antenna for VHF reception. These aremounted on the TV housing. Such indoor antennas provide satisfactoryreception in a limited number of areas where reception is strong. UHFtransmission is rather directional and requires line of sight alignmentof the antenna relative to a UHF transmitter. Similar problems havealways existed in regard to the reception of VHF signals. Thus, it wouldbe highly desirable for a television owner to have at his disposal anantenna assembly to be mounted outdoors and including separate efficientantennas for UHF and VHF reception, I

The present invention includes separate UHF and VHF antenna members toassure maximum reception efficiency. The design of each antenna has beenfound to be superior to many existing designs so that maximum televisionreceiver performance can be realized. Further, the present inventionlends itself to rapid assembly and is designed for rigid construction byutilizing easily and inexpensively fabricated components.

These together with other objects and advantages which will becomesubsequently apparent reside in the details of construction andoperation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, referencebeing had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, whereinlike numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partial sectional view depicting the means for mounting theupper, UHF antenna to the mast.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view illustrating the mounting of the lower, VHFantenna member to the mast.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view illustrating the mounting components for theupper, UHF antenna member.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view illustrating the mounting components for thelower, VHF antenna member.

Referring to the drawings and more particularly FIG. 1 thereof, thepresent antenna assembly is generally indicated by reference numeral andis seen to include a central antenna mast 12 of conventional designmounting a first UHF antenna or active element generally indicated byreference numeral 14 atop the mast. Suitable antenna cable 16 isconnected to the antenna and is secured to the mast by standoffinsulators 17 in the usual manner.

A second VHF antenna or active component 18 is mounted beneath the firstantenna, at an intermediate point along the length of the mast 12. Asuitable antenna cable 20 is connected to the VHF antenna and as in thecase of the aforementioned antenna cable 16, is fastened by means ofstandofi' insulators 17 to the mast 12. The opposite ends of the cablesare connected in the usual manner to a television receiver.

Considering the particular shape of antenna 14, it may fairly becharacterized as a generally sinusoidal shape having upwardly inclinedconductor sections 2I extending to arcuate peak sections 22 separated bya valley portion including downwardly and confrontingly inclinedsections 23, the latter terminating at a short bridging section 25.Generally horizontal base sections 24 and 26 extend toward one anotherfrom the upwardly inclined sections 21. The ends of the connectingsections are disposed an insulative block 28, which is fastened atop themast 12.

The length of the antenna is, of course, related to the wavelength ofthe energy transmitted thereto, in accordance with conventionalelectromagnetic theory. The shape of antenna 14 is such that it extendsupwardly in a relatively compact configuration from the lowermostportion from which signal energy is transmitted to the receiver.

The particular means for mounting the antenna to the insulative blockwill be better appreciated by referring to FIG. 4 wherein there is shownthe actual construction of the ends of base sections 24 and 26 which aretubular rods. Since both base sections are provided with the samemounting structure only the end of base section 24 is described. Athreaded connector shaft 30 is inserted within the tubular end of basesection 24 which is crimped to the shaft as indicated by 32. Themounting block 28 which anchors the threaded shafts 30 includes aflattened surface 34 abutting the upper end of the mast. A chordalrecess 36 is disposed from the flattened surface 34. A second chordalrecess 38 is formed adjacent the recess 36 and bored apertures 40 passthrough the central portions of the recesses 36 and 38. An identicalpair of recesses are formed diametrically opposite to the recesses 36and 38 through which the bored apertures 40 extend.

With continued reference to FIG. 4, the threaded shaft 30 associatedwith section 24 passes through the cylindrical block 28 and exitsthrough recess 36. Likewise, the threaded shaft from section 26 passesinwardly through the recess 38 and exits through the recess on thediametrically opposite side of the block Suitable hardware to bediscussed hereinafter secures the threaded shafts in the block.

The components for securing the block 28 to the mast in clude avertically disposed cylindrical block 44 having an axial bore 46 fonnedtherethrough. This cylindrical plug is inserted into an upper endportion of the mast 12 having inwardly extending and diametricallyopposite detent projections 42. The diameter of the cylindrical plug 44is such as to permit pressfitting of the projection 42 in the recess 43formed in the block 44, and the upper end of the mast is disposed incoincidence with the upper end of the block. The planar surface 34 ofthe block 28 abuts a lockwasher 48 positioned between the planar surface34 and the end face of the cylindrical plug 44 in order to preventrelative rotation therebetween. A square chordal recess 50 similar tothe aforementioned recesses 36 and 38 is formed in the block,diametrically opposite the flat surface 34. A bore 51 extends throughthe recess and is adapted to be disposed in spaced axiallyaligned'relation to the bored aperture 46 in cylindrical member 44. Thealignment of the bored apertures 51 and 46 allows the insertion of afastener bolt element 52 through apertures 51 and 46. In order to permitthe securement of the bolt within the cylindrical member or plug 44, thebored aperture 46 is threaded.

Since the hardware employed in fastening the threaded shafts 30 of bothsections 24 and 26 in the cylindrical block 28 is identical, only oneset of hardware will be described. A pair of juxtaposed lockwashers 54are positioned on the portion of threaded shaft 30 passing into theblock 28, one lockwasher 54 making planar contact with the confrontinglypositioned recess formed in the block. In a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention, the lockwashers 54 serve to clamp or sandwich aterminal lug 55 (FIG. 2) of signal lead 16. It is via this connectionthat electrical continuity between the antenna member 14 and the signalcable 16 is effected. The threaded shaft 30 is prevented from withdrawalfrom the block 28 by means of a lockwasher 56 disposed on the outwardlyextending end portion of the threaded shaft 30. The lockwasher 56 flatlyengages recess 36 formed in the block. A plain washer 58 and outwardlydisposed nut 60 complete the fastening assembly on the threaded shaftend. Thus, the antenna 14 is secured to the top of the mastsubstantially aligned with a plane containing the longitudinal axis ofthe mast.

Referring once again to FIG. 1, the antenna 14 while of a one-piececonstruction, the antenna 18 is made from two separate but equal membersof lengths to accommodate reception of signal energy at the desiredwavelengths. The design characteristics of the VHF antenna I8 may befairly characterized two right triangular conductor members retained inside-by-side planar relation. Each of the members includes an outerhypotenuse leg section 61 extending to an upwardly disposed arcuate apexsection 62. Each triangular member further includes an inner verticalleg section 66 extending downwardly from the arcuate apex portion 62 andterminating short of the base sections 72. The free ends of the sections66 are connected together by an insulator block 70.

The base sections 72 are integrally connected with the hypotenusesection. The free ends of the base sections 72 extend inwardly inconfronting relation with one another. These free end portions areanchored within a cylindrical insulator block 28' identical to thepreviously discussed cylindrical block 28.

Referring to FIG. 3, the foreshortened end portions 66 of eachtriangular antenna 18 includes a threaded shaft 80 crimped thereto inthe same manner as previously discussed in connection with the threadedshaft 30 in FIG. 4. A lockwasher 78 is placed on the threaded shaft 80and is received within a recess formed in the block 70. A nut 82 andassociated locking hardware threadingly engages the outwardly extendingportion of the threaded shaft 80 thereby effecting the securement of theforeshortened sections 66 to the block 70. Recesses are fonned in block70 to accommodate the locking hardware associated with each nut 82.

Referring to FIG. 5, the fastening hardware associated with cylindricalblock 28' is illustrated. A bored aperture 84 extends diametricallythrough shaft 12 thereby permitting the passage of a threaded fastenerbolt element 86 therethrough. The cylindrical block 28 is oriented in avertical direction so that the flattened surface 34 lies injuxtaposition with respect to the mast 12. The threaded bolt 86 passesthrough the bored aperture 51' formed through recess 50 A lockwasher 87is located between the flattened surface 34 and the shaft 12 to preventrotational motion between the block 28 and mast 12. The outwardlypassing end of bolt 86 mounts three fasteners including a lockwasher 88for contacting the mast 12, a plain washer 90 being placed in engagingrelation with the lockwasher 88, and a nut 92 for effecting securementof block 28' to the mast 12. The finally assembled disposition of block28' against the mast 12 is illustrated in FIG. 3. The antenna 18 isthereby secured to the mast substantially aligned with a plane disposedat an acute angle to the longitudinal axis of the mast.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles ofthe invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes willreadily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limitthe invention to the exact construction and operation shown anddescribed, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalentsmay be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. A support assembly for reactively loaded loop antenna having a pairof spaced conductor sections, comprising a mast, a generally cylindricalinsulator block having a planar portion confronting the mast, a fastenerelement extending through the block and into the mast substantiallyperpendicular to said planar portion, assembly means mounted on thefastener element in engagement with the mast holding the block assembledthereon in an orientated position, and elongated connectors extendingfrom the conductor sections through the block in substantiallyperpendicular spaced relation to the fastener element.

2. The combination of claim 1 wherein said mast is tubular in crosssection having an open upper end, said assembly means comprising annonconductive plug closing said upper end through which the fastenerelement extends.

3. The combination of claim 2 wherein the block is formed with axiallyspaced recesses, on either side of the fastener element, through whichthe connectors extend.

4. The combination of claii'n 1 wherein the block is formed with axiallyspaced recesses, on either side of the fastener element, through whichthe connectors extend.

5. The combination of claim 1 wherein said assembly means compriseswashers mounted on the fastener element on opposite sides of the mastand a nut threadedly mounted on the fastener element clamping the mastbetween said washers with the planar portion of the block substantiallyparallel to the mast.

6. The combination of claim 5 wherein the block is formed with axiallyspaced recesses, on either side of the fastener element through whichthe connectors extend.

7, e combination of claim 2 including a second antenna having spacedconductor sections and a second insulator block identical to thefirst-mentioned block. a second fastener element extending through thesecond block and the mast in vertically spaced relation below the upperend and clamping means mounted on the second fastener clement holdingthe second block assembled on the mast, the conductor sections of thesecond antenna having connectors extending through the second blocklaterally spaced from the mast.

8. The combination of claim 7 wherein the second antenna includes aconnector block interconnecting said conductor sections and held inabutment with the mast above the second insulator block.

9. The combination of claim 8 wherein each of the insulator blocks isformed with axially spaced recesses, on either side of the fastenerelement, through which the connectors extend.

10. The combination of claim 1 wherein said antenna includes twosubstantially triangular configurations having bases formed by saidspaced conductor sections, said triangular configurations beinginterconnected above the insulator block.

11. The combination of claim 10 wherein the triangular configurationsare interconnected by a nonconductive connector block in abutment withthe mast,

1. A support assembly for reactively loaded loop antenna having a pairof spaced conductor sections, comprising a mast, a generally cylindricalinsulator block having a planar portion confronting the mast, a fastenerelement extending through the block and into the mast substantiallyperpendicular to said planar portion, assembly means mounted on thefastener element in engagement with the mast holding the block assembledthereon in an orientated position, and elongated connectors extendingfrom the conductor sections through the block in substantiallyperpendicular spaced relation to the fastener element.
 2. Thecombination of claim 1 wherein said mast is tubular in cross sectionhaving an open upper end, said assembly means comprising a nonconductiveplug closing said upper end through which the fastener element extends.3. The combination of claim 2 wherein the block is formed with axiallyspaced recesses, on either side of the fastener element, through whichthe connectors extend.
 4. The combination of claim 1 wherein the blockis formed with axially spaced recesses, on either side of the fastenerelement, through which the connectors extend.
 5. The combination ofclaim 1 wherein said assembly means comprises washers mounted on thefastener element on opposite sides of the mast and a nut threadedlymounted on the fastener element clamping the mast between said washerswith the planar portion of the block substantially parallel to the mast.6. The combination of claim 5 wherein the block is formed with axiallyspaced recesses, on either side of the fastener element, through whichthe connectors extend.
 7. The combination of claim 2 including a secondantenna having spaced conductor sections and a second insulator blockidentical to the first-mentioned block, a second fastener elementextending through the second block and the mast in vertically spacedrelation below the upper end and clamping means mounted on the secondfastener element holding the second block assembled on the mast, theconductor sections of the second antenna having connectors extendingthrough the second block laterally spaced from the mast.
 8. Thecombination of claim 7 wherein the second antenna includes a connectorblock interconnecting said conductor sections and held in abutment withthe mast above the second insulator block.
 9. The combination of claim 8wherein each of the insulator blocks is formed with axially spacedrecesses, on either side of the fastener element, through which theconnectors extend.
 10. The combination of claim 1 wherein said antennaincludes two substantially triangular configurations having bases formedby said spaced conductor sections, said triangular configurations beinginterconnected above the insulator block.
 11. The combination of claim10 wherein the triangular configurations are interconnected by anonconductive connector block in abutment with the mast.